Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can put in a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removing the old Handle
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also begin to look aged and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.
One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be able to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
It is also an excellent idea to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for children and elderly family members who may struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on doors.
Most modern door handles are standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you are not sure if the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to take it off of the door. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws that mount them. You will need to remove it to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
Alternatively, you can remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, remove the handle from the strike plate and then the latch from the door edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
If you are replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it to a circular one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to operate.
The first step is to remove the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.
After the screws have been removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door with ease. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can move on to making the new door strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and then opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't small, a incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move in and out of the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also catches the door frame to ensure that the door stays closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.
If the latch doesn't easily be released, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. upvc door handles may have to repeat this process several times before you can remove the latch.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any problems. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess, and will work with the keys you have already. Be sure to select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Remove the cover plate
You can replace your door handles with a new rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and mechanism inside. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be held by pins.
When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll need to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, so you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. They aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's an excellent option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.